THE ICONIC images of Garhwali peasant women hugging trees, apparently to protect them from being cut down, have become synonymous with the Chipko movement. Perceptions of the movement that have also become popular are its ecological and feminist forms. However, these are only misconceptions that overshadow the real and initial objectives of a people's movement for rights over local forests.
The movement began in 1973 in Uttarakhand, then a part of Uttar Pradesh, by communities in the Garhwal Himalaya region against commercial tree-felling that led to degradation of forests and natural disasters. Their demands were clear: abolish the contract system of tree-felling and establish the rights of communities over the management and use of forests. Their aim was to develop local economies by promoting small-scale forest-based industries, while ensuring forest conservation. However, "the ecological and feminist form of Chipko was invented" in 1977-79, as writes historian Shekhar Pathak in The Chipko Movement: A People's History. This shift came when Sundarlal Bahuguna, considered a pioneer of Chipko, demanded "a complete ban on tree felling" in line with his perception of deep ecology.
The feminist image, on the other hand, was created due to a single incident that social activist from Uttarakhand Vandana Shiva highlighted in her book without context.
The 1988 book, Staying Alive: Women, Ecology and Development, introduces Bachni Devi as protesting in Adwani forest against her husband, described as contractor Sunderlal Saklani. Shiva identified it as "the most dramatic turn in the new confrontation," perceiving it as the rise of a gender conflict. But historical facts show that the movement had gender collaboration.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Trade On Emissions
EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, a tariff on imports, is designed to protect European industries in the guise of climate action.
'The project will facilitate physical and cultural decimation of indigenous people'
The Great Nicobar Project has all the hallmarks of a disaster-seismic, ecological, human. Why did it get the go-ahead?
TASTE IT RED
Popularity of Karnataka's red jackfruit shows how biodiversity can be conserved by ensuring that communities benefit from it
MANY MYTHS OF CHIPKO
Misconceptions about the Chipko movement have overshadowed its true objectives.
The politics and economics of mpox
Africa's mpox epidemic stems from delayed responses, neglect of its health risks and the stark vaccine apartheid
Emerging risks
Even as the world gets set to eliminate substances threatening the ozone layer, climate change and space advancement pose new challenges.
JOINING THE CARBON CLUB
India's carbon market will soon be a reality, but will it fulfil its aim of reducing emissions? A report by PARTH KUMAR and MANAS AGRAWAL
Turn a new leaf
Scientists join hands to predict climate future of India's tropical forests
Festering troubles
The Democratic Republic of Congo struggles to contain mpox amid vaccine delays, conflict and fragile healthcare.
India sees unusual monsoon patterns
THE 2024 southwest monsoon has, between June 1 and September 1, led to excess rainfall in western and southern states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, while others like Nagaland, Manipur and Punjab recorded a deficit.